Another inmate dies on Rikers Island

NEW YORK – An inmate died early Tuesday morning on Rikers Island.

The New York City Corrections Department said Donny Ubiera, 33, was found unconscious in his cell. He immediately received medical attention and was pronounced dead. He is the eighth inmate to die in custody this year.

We are told he had been in DOC custody since March, charged with attempted murder and assault.

Ubiera’s cause of death is under investigation.

Earlier this month, a federal judge began hearing arguments whether control of Rikers should be taken from the city and placed in federal receivership.

“We are calling for a thorough investigation and asking DOC to notify the family and counsel of any findings at every step of the process,” the Legal Aid Society said. “It should be carefully verified that prison staff and supervisors were actively involved in monitoring the housing district and conducting required tours. The federal monitor has found that the chronic inability of staff and supervisors to perform basic custodial duties has been a factor in many of the recent deaths. We await an immediate response from DOC on this tragic death.”